A method to estimate absolute odorant concentration of olfactory stimuli.

ABSTRACT: The accurate quantification and delivery of odorant concentrations remain a significant challenge. Traditional methods estimate stimulus intensity based on the amount of odorant in the source, but this does not reflect the actual concentration sent due to variable evaporation rates and delivery devices. This leads to inconsistencies in stimulus delivery, complicating cross-laboratory comparisons, threshold evaluations, and the replication of natural olfactory conditions in the lab. To address this, we present a model based on mass transfer theory to predict the concentration of odorants delivered by a simple and versatile odor delivery system commonly used in insect electrophysiological experiments. The present model, built with adaptable compartments, accounts for airflow, source size, an

SUBMITTER: Conchou L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12758820 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature